Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1887-08-25
bis chin. He wore boots chat reachcd

his chin. He wore boots that reached |!
to his knees. long overcoat in dark
blue cloth, white necktie and gray
hat. In his hand, for show rather
than use, he held a stick with shining
knob, on his breast shone the cross Of
the Legion of Honor strung to an old
piece of faded red ribbon, which still
bore black stains due to the gunpow-
der at Waterloo.
The old soldier was received with
tokens of kindness and reverence; he
was shown into the large room which
that day offered an unusually solemn
aspect with its washed and sanded
floor. Some flowers in an earthen-
ware pot ON the window-sill diffused
their sweetness over the place, and the
sun shone sweetly through the little
sparkling glass panes.
The two men sat down before the
large deal-tablc; and when the young
woman had brought brandy, bread
and salt, cheese and sausage, they be-
gan to speak about the war. Volnizki
recounted the events at Spichern,
Saint-Privat and Buzenval, while the
old man spoke of Lutzen, Dresden and
Leipsic, Ligny and Quatre-Bras. Every
time France and the Emperor's name
were mentioned the old man raised his
hat. Meanwhile the children played
in the yard, and-that the holiday
should be general one-the dog was
let loose from his kennel.
Presently the animal appeared on
the threshold, looked up inquisitively
at the aged man, drew near to and
scented him.
"What sort of dog is that?" in
quired the old soldier; she is not from
these parts"
Il brought him back with me from
France" replied Volnizki.
"From Francep"
"He's bad animal" said theyoung
woman.
"And disobedient," said the little
boy.
II tried to teach him few tricks, :"
added Volnizki, "but all to no purpose;
he understands nothing, absolutely
nothing"
The old man laughed.
"My friends" said he, "the reaso n
is obvious The poor brute doesn't I'M
derstand your tongue"
"Well, now. that beats every thingr"
exclaimed Volnizki.
"Why, of course; what confidence
can he have in people whose tongue is
foreign to himp" continued the old
veteran Of Napoleon. "How shall he
obey, when he can not understand the
order that is givenp"
THAT" said Volnizki, sis thing
never thought Of And" he added,
"as don't know French there is nc
help for it"
"Wait Bit" said the old man, as
he turned toward the animal, whose
eyes were attentively fixed on his own
He began to speak to the dog in good
French vernacular: "You don't under
stand word they have to say, do you
my friendp On that account they cal
you wicked dog; but you are brave
brute, l know; and will be most obedi
ent when spoken to in our own decen
language, won't youP"
The dogpricked up his ears, beat thu
floor with his tail, and his whole frame
thrilled with conscious pleasure at thu
sound of the old mans voice. Sud
, denly, as if unable to withstand so di
I rect an appeal, the dog whined
bounced forward and leaped up t.
, the old mans neck, barking with al
his might.
"See, whether I am not right" ex
claimed the veteran warrior; "whethe
he understands me or not"
The dog went and came about tn
, place, ran from one room to anothe
with sparkling eyes and quiverin,
limbs, like one who had taken leave O
his senses. He invariably came bacl
! to the old man, barking, jumping o
wagging the tail, to lick his hand; an
finally crounched down painting at hi
feet, the poor beasts large red fever
ish tongue lolling out between the col
ner of the mouth and the fore-teeth.
The two men again resumed thei
conversation and spoke of war, battle.
/, cavalry attacks, or the more savag
struggle at the point of the bayonet.
At last the old man took his depar
ure, followed by the dog, who SCENE
to obey him as if he had never had al
h other master.
The veteran soldier stood for mt
ment in the doorway and looked aroun
!, him. The sun had set and brigh
3 red glare shone out in the west, pier,
ing the twilight and silvery mists {
O evening.
\ at is thus that his glory wer
v down." said he, as he pointed wit
q trembling hand towards the horiz oil
+. "but his fame shall abide for ever, an
v with it the greatness Of France. Ye
v my children, it was glorious era!'
1t He then walked away and the dc
T. followed, never to leave him afte
It wards. Chicago Inter Ocean.
MEDIEVAL SOUL PTlRE